Mario Elie
The clutch gene that sealed two NBA titles for Houston.
Mario Elie is a celebrated figure in Houston Rockets history, best known for his integral role during the franchise's back-to-back NBA championship runs in 1994 and 1995. Acquired by the Rockets prior to the 1993–94 season, he quickly became a vital component of the team, providing perimeter shooting and tenacious defense. A role player known for his defense and toughness, Elie was dubbed the "Junkyard Dog" by his teammates. One highlight of his career came when he hit a game-winning three-pointer in Game 7 of the 1995 Western Conference Semifinals against the Phoenix Suns, a shot called the "Kiss of Death" by Rockets fans.
- Championships
- 2 (1994, 1995)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
His legacy is defined less by volume scoring and more by efficiency and impact during high-pressure moments. During the 1995 Western Conference Semifinals against the Phoenix Suns, Elie hit a game-winning three-pointer in Game 7 to break a tie with 7.1 seconds left, making a taunting kissing gesture towards the Suns' bench after the shot. While Elie was a key role player for the Rockets off the bench throughout the regular season and the playoffs, he became a starter in the 1995 NBA Finals. This move paid off for the Rockets, as Elie averaged 16.3 points per game in the Finals while shooting 65% from the field. His presence allowed the team to maintain spacing for Hakeem Olajuwon while disrupting opposing guards, embodying the selfless 'glue guy' philosophy of championship teams.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the arena was thick with tension as the clock wound down in Game 7 of the 1995 Western Conference Semifinals against the Phoenix Suns. Elie stood beyond the arc, the game tied. He caught the pass, squared up, and released with 7.1 seconds left. The swish echoed louder than the crowd's roar. It wasn't just a shot; it was the seal on a series victory. Elie then made a taunting kissing gesture towards the Suns' bench, a moment Rockets fans call the "Kiss of Death." That shot propelled the Rockets toward their second straight NBA championship.
Reader's Guide
Mario Elie joined the Houston Rockets prior to the 1993–94 season and played for them through the 1997–98 season. His playing style was defined by high basketball IQ, perimeter shooting, and relentless defensive pressure. He is most remembered for his contributions to the 1994 and 1995 NBA titles, often stepping up when the offense stalled or needed a spark. In the 1995 NBA Finals, he started and averaged 16.3 points per game while shooting 65% from the field. His legacy endures as that of the ultimate team player who understood his role perfectly. While he may not have held individual scoring records, his impact on winning was undeniable. He has been named one of the top ten players in Houston Rockets history.
Did You Know?
- Elie was drafted with the 160th pick (out of 162 total) in the 1985 NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks.
- He was named "Mario" for opera singer Mario Lanza.
- Elie speaks four languages: English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish.
- He was arrested in Sacramento, California in December 2010 for allegedly driving while intoxicated.
- Elie is married to Gina Gaston, a journalist and anchorwoman for Houston's Channel ABC13, and they have triplets.